Three indicted on burglary related charges in Farmington

Sunday

Sep 30, 2012 at 3:15 AM

By Samantha Allen sallen@fosters.com

FARMINGTON—A Farmington couple and a Somersworth man have been indicted for crimes related to a burglary committed in October 2011, on Aiken Road. Each will face an arraignment before Strafford County Superior Court next week.

Matthew York, 25, of 23A High Street, Kelly Adams, 23, York's wife who lives at the same address, and Timothy Balch, 23, of 17E Market Street, Somersworth, were all arrested for their alleged connection to a burglary at an Aiken Road home, committed on Oct. 24, 2011.

According to court documents, Balch and York allegedly entered the residence on Aiken Road at approximately 9:45 p.m. on the night of Oct. 24 and stole various items including firearms and electronics as well as $1,500 worth of jewelry. It is alleged that Adams transported the two suspects to the residence and parked "down the road" before driving over and picking them up again.

York has been indicted on one count of burglary, one count of theft by unauthorized taking, three counts of receiving stolen property, and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, all felony-level charges.

Adams has been indicted on two counts of receiving stolen property. Balch has been indicted on one count of burglary, one count of theft by unauthorized taking and three counts of receiving stolen property.

In their indictment documents, statements indicate Adams assisted York and Balch in the "disposal" of the stolen firearms, by selling those to another person, and allegedly pawning or selling the jewelry as well. Balch and York are additionally accused of burying firearms "in the woods."

Farmington Police Chief Kevin Willey told Foster's in July officials were investigating another burglary on Elm Street they believe Balch participated in last fall with York. Police allege the suspects targeted metals and copper piping at that time.

Willey added police were investigating to see if the three suspects were tied to any other incidents in the area, after arresting them for the Aiken Road burglary. He said in a five-month period from October 2011 to February 2011, there were 42 reported burglaries in Farmington, but the number had since dropped to 21 burglaries in a four-and-a-half month period.

Regarding these few incidents, he told Foster's his department used "good old-fashioned police work" to conduct their investigations, with interviews as well as information from local residents and area pawnshops.

Willey was unavailable for comment before press time this week.

Adams was released on $10,000 personal recognizance bail with a stipulation that she is prohibited from discussing the case with her husband, York. York posted his $5,000 cash bail and on Aug. 6, his defense attorney requested a no contact order between the couple, citing the two have "fully cooperated with the investigation" and have served as a "family unit" with their children for years.

Balch is currently housed at the Strafford County House of Corrections where he is being held on $5,000 cash bail. His bail order includes to not have contact with York or Adams, or to go near the properties on Aiken Road and Elm Street in Farmington.

Charges of receiving stolen property and theft by unauthorized taking are both Class A felonies. Each carries a seven-and-a-half to 15 year imprisonment sentence with a $4,000 fine. A "convicted felon" charge, as well as burglary, are Class B felonies. Each carries a three-and-a-half to seven year imprisonment sentence with a $4,000 fine as well.

The three suspects are scheduled to appear for an arraignment on Thursday, Oct. 4, at Strafford County Superior Court, at 9 a.m.